Serena Williams overcomes stubborn Kristina Mladenovic and rain delay to reach fourth round

Updated 28/05/2016 at 16:36 GMT

Holder Serena Williams survived her toughest challenge yet at this year's French Open as she battled into the fourth round with a 6-4 7-6 (12-10) win over Frenchwoman Kristina Mladenovic in a rain-disrupted match on Saturday.

Serena Williams in action v Kristina Mladenovic

Image credit: Reuters

The American's victory charge was halted for more than 2-1/2 hours as a thunderous downpour descended over Roland Garros with Williams leading 6-4 6-6.

Highlights: Serena Williams battles past Kristina Mladenovic

When the duo came back on court to resume battle in a titanic tiebreak lasting 17 minutes, Williams produced some howlers as four match points went begging.

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At 6-5 she drew a chorus of 15,000 gasps as she smashed the ball metres over the baseline and Williams was way off target at 8-7 too, misfiring a forehand well beyond the court markings.

The American then drew on the wealth of experience that has earned her 21 grand slam titles to save a set point before sealing victory when Mladenovic belted a forehand wide.